Szechenyi Spa Baths FAQ
First-time visitors in Szechenyi Bath often ask many questions. There are some misconceptions about the baths, e.g. some visitors think that you need to be naked in the baths (no, quite the contrary), that Szechenyi is a Turkish bath (no, it is not), where the pools are separate for men and women (they are not).
Please read our FAQ, if you visit Szechenyi Bath in Budapest for the first time. It will give you a good orientation, and lots of helpful info to make your bath visit more relaxing, avoid multiple queues.
CAN I … in Szechenyi Baths?
Can couples visit the baths? Can I go with my husband / wife / partner? Sure you can, every day. Szechenyi Bath is completely mixed, all facilities, pools. You can even share the same private changing room called cabin (bath tickets with cabin are slightly more expensive)
Can children go to Szechenyi Baths? Can I take my kids under 10, or over 14? Will my teenager children enjoy the baths? Can I go to Szechenyi Baths with my toddler? Kids over 14 are very welcome to enjoy all pools. Children under 14 are not recommended to use the warm thermal pools of 36 degrees Celsius or more. Although children under 2 years of age need no entry, they cannot use the pools. Unfortunately, there is no discount for younger visitors in the baths. There are no chutes, slides or floats either, so if you want to visit a more child centred pool complex, we suggest trying a different bath, e.g. Palatinus or Dagaly in the summer months.
Can I buy tickets in advance? Yes, you can buy your Szechenyi Bath ticket in advance, and avoid the hassle at the cashiers: fats track entry, comfort is just a click away. Pre-booked tickets entitle you to a full day visit, include a private changing cabin, and a private entrance at the Help Desk. Please note that online tickets cost an extra approx. 1 Euro, which means not having to stand in a queue / long line, as you will check in via our Help Desk, where our receptionist speak very good English.
Can I book a massage therapy in advance? Yes, you can book your Szechenyi Bath massage in advance. What is more, it is best to book a massage in advance as same day massages are hardly available. Booking is via online: please note that we can only offer massage for bath guests, and confirm bookings that have been pre-paid. Note: massage treatments are available for bath guests with a valid bath entry.
Can I wear swimwear in Szechenyi Baths? Can I wear a bikini? Can I wear a Speedo? Can I wear a wet suit? See our guide about the Dress Code of Szechenyi Baths In short, you have to wear a swimwear in the baths but not all styles are accepted (e.g. so called modesty swimwear with long sleeves etc. are not allowed). As the bath is mixed, all guests must wear a decent swim wear at all times.
Can I rent swimwear in Szechenyi Bath? Swimwear can be purchased but not rented. You can save time to bring your own swim wear.
Can I rent a towel in Szechenyi Baths? Towel rental is currently only available with the exclusive Palm House package. Standard tickets do not include towel rental. Environmentally, we think it is best if you bring your own towel with yourself, e.g. a light weight microfibre towel. Another last minute solution is to buy a towel in the bath shop as a keepsake.
RENTAL SERVICES (Towel and Bath Robe) only AVAILABLE with Palm House package – PLEASE BRING YOUR OWN TOWEL / SWIMWEAR/ SLIPPERS OR PURCHASE A TOWEL ON THE SPOT
Can I take photos in Szechenyi Bath?
Can I use my camera at Szechenyi Spa? Can I make video recordings of the baths, the outdoor pools like others on youtube?
Can I smoke in Szechenyi Bath? Yes, but only in the designated smoking areas.
Can I leave my bag, valuables somewhere safe in Szechenyi Bath? Yes, you can use your locker, your private changing cabin, or use one of the small safety boxes in Szechenyi bath.
Can I bring food and drink to Szechenyi baths? You can bring your own food, and you can bring in non-glass beverages too (the bath is maintaining a splinter free zone). But if you get hungry, you can visit the simple cafeteria in the baths to buy some warm foods and cold foods (nothing fancy, plastic plates, affordable prices, canteen style self service).
What Can I buy at Széchenyi Bath cafeteria? You’ll find a fairly wide selection of hot and cold dishes, including soups (such as goulash), simple hot meals (e.g., breaded chicken breast, beef stew), fresh salads (like Greek salad), sandwiches, and various desserts (muffins, donuts, cakes). Drinks include several types of coffee (espresso, cappuccino, latte), tea, hot chocolate, soft drinks, energy drinks, and alcoholic beverages such as beer and wine.
Prices may change frequently, but as a general guide:
- Coffees typically start from around 2.5–3.5 EUR.
- Hot meals usually fall in the 10–15 EUR range.
- Salads are generally around 7–9 EUR.
- Desserts tend to range from 3–5 EUR.
Can I drink alcohol in the pool? No, drinking alcohol is not allowed while you are in the pool or pool areas. For safety and hygiene reasons, alcohol and food may only be consumed in the designated areas—specifically in the cafeteria and its adjoining terraces.
Please note that bringing alcohol into the bath complex is strictly prohibited; alcoholic beverages may only be consumed if purchased on-site.
Can I visit Szechenyi Baths in winter time? Sure you can. All the baths, including the 3 outdoor pools are filled with natural hot spring water, which comes from deep wells under the City Park natural water reservoir. Szechenyi Bath is especially popular during the winter holidays (Christmas, New Year’s time)
Can I visit Szechenyi Bath at Christmas? Yes, the baths and pools are open at Christmas too.
WHERE – Szechenyi Baths?
Where is Szechenyi Spa Baths?
Szechenyi Spa Baths is close to the city centre of Budapest: by M1 metro (underground) you can easily get to the world famous bath complex in 15 minutes from the heart of the city, i.e. from the transit hub square called Deak Square (Deák tér), where all Budapest metro lines meet. Szechenyi Baths is in the City Park, a 5 minute walk from Heroes’ Square (you know, the Heroes’ Square with the tall monument with an angel on top? It is often seen on most Budapest postcards and travel brochures: a must see anyway).
- See the location of Szechenyi Bath compared to other Budapest attractions in the City Park of Budapest on Budapest Tourist Map.
- GPS coordinates of Szechenyi Baths.
- Address of Szechenyi Baths
Where am I in Szechenyi Baths? It is a Maze
I got lost in the labyrinth of the huge Szechenyi Baths. Where am I? Please print out our internal map of Szechenyi Bath to help you navigate around the maze of pools, saunas, steam rooms, long corridors of cabins and massage rooms, etc. The building is enormous, and it is best to have a little map with you, if you feel uncomfortable in unknown places.
If you buy our online ticket, you will be given your own Szechenyi Bath Map to help you navigate more easily.
WHEN – Szechenyi Baths?
When is Szechenyi Baths open? Some units close earlier, while others are open longer. The indoor and outdoor facilities and pools are normally open from 8 am to 8 pm most days of the week throughout the year, with seasonally changing hours (e.g. in peak time the baths may open at 7 am). Szechenyi Baths is also open on national holidays and bank holidays, 365 days a year. However, the thermal baths may have shorter opening times on holidays (specifically on Dec 24 or Dec 31, Jan 1 etc).
When are Szechenyi Night Bath Parties? Mostly on Saturdays. Click on the link to find out more about Szechenyi Parties. The bath parties are from February to December in Szechenyi Bath (Sparties).
When are there guided tours in Szechenyi Baths? Guided tours inside the bath complex are currently unavailable. However, there are mobile audio guides, downloadable, introducing the thermal baths and its surroundings in Budapest City Park. More about Szechenyi Bath and City Park tours here.
When can I go in the morning to Szechenyi Baths? The earliest time to visit Szechenyi Baths is normally at 8 am (in peak season it may change to 7 am or 6 am – please always check the opening hours or email us if in doubt). If you are an early riser or you just need to cure your headache after an all-night party, you will enjoy Szechenyi Baths and we suggest trying other thermal baths in the city as each offers something unique. Early risers are welcome to have a quieter, more relaxed time in the baths or do laps in the big swimming pool.
In addition, Szechenyi Baths is also a medicinal institute of aqua therapy, healing with its water, and some patients who have been prescribed its waters can enjoy the baths earlier. Hospital patients have separate pools and separate entrance, secluded from the general public for privacy reasons. Please note that some of the spa treatments and aqua therapy, like mud treatment, is only available for medical patients and not for the general public.
WHAT – Szechenyi Baths?
What is a Cabin at the Szechenyi Baths? And what is a Locker? Why is a cabin more expensive than a locker? Can I not buy a ticket with a locker (or a cabin)? Cabins are private changing cubicles, which are used for getting changed and also storing your belongings. Lockers are storage boxes, school locker style, or the lockers you would find at a train station, for instance. Lockers are usually man size, so you will have ample room to keep your swim gear, streetwear, shoes and a bag / backpack. In addition, you can also rent safety boxes on the spot to have a peace of mind (please do not bring valuables).
What are the baths and pools like at Szechenyi Spa Baths? See our printable Szechenyi Bath Map here in Fahrenheit or in Celsius with all the important info of the baths, pools, saunas, massage rooms, steam rooms, etc. There are 18 pools of various sizes and temperatures: 1 big swimming pool in the open air, flanked by two outdoor thermal pools, one of which has a fun whirlpool. The 15 indoor pools are bigger and smaller pools with different water characteristics, temperature, underwater jets, shape, etc.
What are the ‘sparties’ / Szecska spa parties? Read more about the Szecska Saturday night parties here. Saturday night laser disco with live DJ parties in the baths. Very popular, very unique, only in Budapest!
What is the Dress Code at Szechenyi Baths? The dress code of Szechenyi Bath is very simple: please wear a swimming suit, bikini, speedo, etc. at all times, in all pools. Swim wear is obligatory. Waterproof slippers or flip flops are compulsory to increase the hygiene standards in the baths. There are far too many guests in the thermal baths to keep a spotless floor in every second. The bath is huge, and there are hundreds, often thousands of guests inside Szechenyi Bath. It is best to protect your feet with light flip-flops. If you have no flip-flops, you can buy a pair in the main hall in Szechenyi Bath.
HOW – Szechenyi Baths?
How can I get to Szechenyi Baths?
The easiest way to get to Szechenyi Baths (or Szechenyi Furdo in Hungarian) is by taking the historical M1 metro (the 2nd underground in Europe, built right after the one in London!). M1 is the yellow line, which runs right down under Andrassy Avenue from the city centre. There is a metro station right by Szechenyi Spa Baths. The name of the metro station is the Hungarian name of the spa: Szechenyi Furdo (say: ‘Say-chain-nee Fur-der’).
- See the location of Szechenyi Bath compared to other Budapest attractions in the City Park of Budapest on Budapest Tourist Map.
- GPS coordinates of Szechenyi Baths.
- Address of Szechenyi Baths
How Szechenyi Baths Pools are kept clean?
The hot thermal pools at Szechenyi Baths are filtered and completely refilled every day to ensure the water quality, while the swimming pool and other cool pools are treated with cleaning salts and a non-invasive amount of chlorine.
How do you say Szechenyi Baths in Hungarian?
Széchenyi Fürdő is pronounced Say-chain-nee Fur-duh. It is also called Széchenyi Gyógyfürdő (Szechenyi Medical Baths), Say-chain-nee George Fur-duh, or even Szecska (setsh-kah) as a term of endearment. Yes, we Hungarians love our Szechenyi Baths.
Hello. We are looking to book a 4 pm beer bath on a Tuesday at the end of May and will be coming by train straight from Vienna. I understand the beer bath is 45 mins long. We SHOULD be on time but is it ok is we are a little late with the understanding the beer bath will end at 4:45?
Also, will the private cabins be large enough to hold 3 suitcases?
Thank you very much!
Dear Karen,
Thank you for your message and for considering a visit to the Beer Spa in Szechenyi Bath.
In short, we would say that based on your questions, the visit to the beer baths on the planned date is not realistic.
While it’s completely up to you, and you’re welcome to join even if you arrive a little late— kindly note that the beer bath session will still end at the originally scheduled time of 4:45 PM. For a 4pm start, the check in is until 3.30 pm, as guests will already be in swimwear by the start of the session (the beer bath has no changing cubicle, so coming in from the street, you will need to check and get changed, both taking time).
As check-in typically takes place about 30 minutes beforehand, starting a beer bath (or a massage service etc.) requires that guests are already checked in and changed into their swim gear. During this thirty minute procedure, you’ll redeem your digital QR code for entry and receive a waterproof wristband chip, which functions as both your ticket and locker key. There may also be a queue upon check in (on busier days anything between 15 min – 1 hour waiting time).
Please keep in mind that the bath complex is quite large and can be tricky to navigate, even for frequent thermal bath visitors. Finding your way to the changing area and getting ready can take 15–20 minutes.
Vienna – Budapest train
In addition to the extra time needed at the baths, train delays are not uncommon, so for peace of mind, we would recommend booking your beer bath session for a later date—ideally after your train journey is complete.
Storage
Regarding the cabins: they are designed for changing only and are not large enough to comfortably accommodate three suitcases, even if they are cabin-sized. The lockers provided are also too small to fit suitcases.
We are planning to visit next week. Before I book, can I check are the thermal baths wheelchair accessible? Thank you.
Dear Jackie,
Thank you for your message.
Wheelchair Access to Pools:
Széchenyi Bath has several steps in the pool areas, however, there are some pools that can be managed with a wheelchair if no lift is required. The pool areas and the communal areas, by the nature of the institute, are wet with no special wet signs indicating wet patches, as any part of the bath can be wet throughout the day.
For visitors, regardless of the state or condition, appropriate bath footwear is compulsory outside the pool areas (even if just to get out of the wheelchair, the sole of the bath footwear should aid the visitor to stop slippage). Admittedly, some parts of the complex are not fully accessible for visitors with limited mobility, although there are areas that can be approached with ramps or lifts.
While many guests with reduced mobility do visit the baths, we strongly recommend visiting in the morning hours when there are considerably fewer guests in the communal areas and pools making navigation more manageable and getting more personalised advice from the bath staff on the spot, including a special request for an accessible cabin and updated advice about wheelchair friendly routes inside the bath complex and at the outdoor pools.
Hi if I book a cabin am I able to store a suitcase (hold size) in there for the duration?
Dear Charlie,
Thank you for contacting us.
Kindly check the following article detailing storage options and sizes for Szechenyi Bath lockers and cabins (changing cubicles).
It gives advice on luggage / suitcase / backpack storage and the maximum capacity so that you can plan your bath visit accordingly.
https://szechenyibath.com/can-you-leave-the-bag-in-the-cabin-in-szechenyi-baths/
Have a great time in Budapest Szechenyi Bath.
Hello, I’m planning a visit for my husband and me. If we want a cabin, would we need to each get a cabin? Or is there a way to purchase one cabin ticket and one entry with no cabin? Thank you!
Dear Cynthia,
Yes—you can absolutely share one cabin between the two of you by taking turns (suitable for one person at a time as the cabin is the size of a changing cubicle).
Please book one “Ticket with Cabin” and one standard “Ticket with Locker.” A locker is included by default with entry; the guest using the cabin can simply ignore their locker and you can both use the same cabin as your private changing room and storage. (Cabins fit one person at a time, so you’ll take turns.)
If you’d prefer, you can also book two “Ticket with Cabin” for a bit more convenience. Note that lockers are located in a different section of the bath, so couples usually find one shared cabin + one standard ticket the most practical and cost‑effective setup.
Hi,
I noticed that it’s not possible to purchase tickets for the Christmas period. I wanted to ask if the spa is closed during that time, if it’s fully booked, or if it’s still possible to visit in person on those days.
Dear Milena,
Thank you for reaching out to our team.
The bath house will be open during the Christmas period, although on festive days (Dec 24 – 26, Dec 31 and Jan 1) the opening hours are typically slightly shorter.
To book the day in advance the booking calendars for the spa baths in Budapest will release the dates approx. 30 days before the December festive dates.
Some additional information has been sent to you via email.
Please see our Budapest Christmas recommendations for the upcoming season and some bath tips for the end of the year: https://szechenyibath.com/szechenyi-bath-christmas/
Further information has been sent to you by email.
Hi
Looking at booking for 4 of us in Dec. As it will be the day we fly home, we want to book fast pass entry to make most of our time. Does this come as standard with online tickets? We will be choosing the cabin option. Thank you